PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — Providence Mayor Brett Smiley joined 12 News at 4 to talk about what's ahead for the capital city in 2025. Roger Williams Medical Center Smiley said he's committed to making sure Roger Williams Medical Center stays open after the company that owns the hospital, Prospect Medical Holdings, filed for bankruptcy earlier this month. "We rely heavily on that hospital," the mayor told 12 News anchor Kim Kalunian. "I'm comforted to know that it is sufficiently on everyone's radar, but there are a lot of decisions that are outside of our control." Prospect filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in the Northern District of Texas, meaning a Texas judge will be responsible for much of what happens with the company's assets, which include 16 hospitals in Rhode Island, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and California. Parking tax Smiley confirmed that the city of Providence will be charging the state's 7% sales tax on commercial parking fees. However, he said whether that sales tax is passed on to consumers will be up to the parking lot owners. The mayor presented the parking tax as a way to reduce the city's dependence on property tax for revenue. Providence Public Schools Smiley said he hopes to regain control of the capital city's schools in 2025. "We're ready," he told 12 News. "I believe that we are." The mayor said that in the next six months, his Return to Local Control Cabinet will be releasing a series of reports about the steps the city has taken in preparation for the transition. Downtown transformation plan "It's great!" Smiley responded enthusiastically to former Providence Mayor Joe Paolino's beautification and greenery plan for the city's downtown streetscape. "It's great!" he said, adding that the plan would be good for both the economy and the environment. He pointed out that Paolino's plans include multiple funding sources, saying, "No one party can do this alone." READ MORE: Providence’s next Renaissance? Paolino unveils plan to beautify capital city Power lines at India Point Park Smiley said he, East Providence Mayor Bob DaSilva, and the CEO of Rhode Island Energy are all in agreement: The power lines at India Point Park must be buried. He said the "old-fashioned stanchions" in the park are at a point of failure and must be replaced, and added, "If we're going to be spending infrastructure dollars, let's do it the right way." Crook Point Bridge The mayor shared that Providence plans to take possession of the "iconic" Crook Point Bridge. "I don't want to see it torn down," he told 12 News. “We’re going to do something great with it,” Smiley said.  READ MORE: Providence in process of acquiring Crook Point Bridge Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Special Coverage & Notices SIGN UP NOW